The Pogues, formed in London in 1982, are a band renowned for their unique blend of Irish folk music and punk rock. The band’s charismatic frontman, Shane MacGowan, led the group to international acclaim with his distinctive vocals and songwriting prowess. Here are the 10 best Pogues songs of all time:Fairytale of New York – Released in 1987, this iconic song has become a Christmas classic, featuring the legendary Kirsty MacColl duetting with MacGowan.Dirty Old Town – This song, originally written by Ewan MacColl, is a tribute to Salford, a town near Manchester, England, where MacColl grew up. The Pogues’ version has become one of their most popular tracks.Streams of Whiskey – A lively ode to the joys of drinking, this song features a driving melody and catchy chorus.Sally MacLennane – This upbeat track celebrates the life of a woman who loved to dance and have a good time.A Pair of Brown Eyes – A poignant ballad about lost love and regret, this song features MacGowan’s distinctive vocals over a haunting melody.If I Should Fall from Grace with God – This fast-paced track showcases the Pogues’ punk rock roots, with MacGowan’s vocals soaring over a raucous instrumental.The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn – This track tells the story of the Irish mythological hero Cuchulainn, who dies in battle.Thousands are Sailing – A nostalgic tribute to the Irish immigrants who left their homeland to start a new life in America.The Old Main Drag – This song tells the story of a man struggling to survive on the streets of London.The Irish Rover – A rollicking tune about a legendary ship, featuring guest vocals from The Dubliners’ Ronnie Drew.
1.Thousands Are Sailing
“Thousands Are Sailing” is a classic folk song that was written and performed by Irish-American band The Pogues. The song was released in 1988 as part of their album “If I Should Fall from Grace with God.” The lyrics of the song describe the experiences of Irish immigrants who traveled to America in search of a better life.
The song’s opening lines describe the journey across the Atlantic, with the first verse stating, “Thousands are sailing across the western ocean / To a land of opportunity that some of them will never see.” The lyrics touch on the difficulties faced by immigrants as they left their homes behind and made the perilous journey to a new land, with lines like “From rooms that smell of stale beer and tobacco / In the square, the children can hear the horses trot.”
The chorus of the song is particularly powerful, with the repeated line “Where are you, America?” highlighting the sense of longing and hope that drove so many Irish immigrants to leave their homes and cross the ocean in search of a better life. The song’s melody is hauntingly beautiful, with a melancholic yet hopeful tone that perfectly captures the emotions expressed in the lyrics.”Thousands Are Sailing” remains a beloved song among fans of The Pogues and folk music more broadly. Its themes of immigration, hope, and longing continue to resonate with listeners today, particularly given ongoing debates about immigration and the experiences of people seeking a better life in new lands.
2.The Body Of An American
“The Body of an American” is another classic song by The Pogues, released on their 1989 album “Peace and Love.” The song was written by lead singer Shane MacGowan and tells the story of a soldier who has died in battle and the impact of his death on those around him.
The song opens with a powerful and evocative description of the soldier’s body, with the line “The cadillac stood by the house / And the yanks they were within / And the tinker boys they hissed advice / ‘Hot-wire her with a pin.'” The song’s lyrics then shift to focus on the reactions of those who knew the soldier, with lines like “Well the cops are taking measurements / They’re making little notes / And they’re talking to my neighbour / Who was staring at his shoes.””The Body of an American” is a poignant and emotionally charged song, with its themes of loss, grief, and the impact of war on individuals and communities. The song’s melody is haunting and melancholic, with a mournful quality that perfectly captures the somber mood of the lyrics.The song has remained popular with fans of The Pogues and has been covered by numerous other artists over the years, including Bruce Springsteen, who performed the song live with the band in 2012. Its enduring popularity speaks to the power of its message and the universal themes it explores.
3.Misty Morning, Albert Bridge
“Misty Morning, Albert Bridge” is a beautiful and atmospheric song by The Pogues, released on their 1989 album “Peace and Love.” The song was written by Shane MacGowan and describes a morning walk across the Albert Bridge in London, with the lyrics painting a vivid picture of the misty and atmospheric scene.
The song’s opening lines set the scene perfectly, with MacGowan singing “On a misty morning, sidewalk cafe / We watched the world go by.” The lyrics then describe the beauty of the bridge and the sense of tranquility that can be found in the early hours of the day, with lines like “Oh the light, Laughter dancing through the mist / And though the morning, sunlight filters through / Casts a spell on you.”
The song’s melody is gentle and
4.The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn
“The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn” is a classic song by The Pogues, released on their 1985 album “Rum Sodomy & the Lash.” The song was written by Shane MacGowan and tells the story of a man who is dying in his sick bed, reflecting on his life and his regrets.
The song’s opening lines describe the sick man’s state, with the line “You’re a bum, you’re a punk / You’re an old slut on junk / Lying there almost dead on a drip in that bed.” The lyrics then shift to focus on the man’s memories of his youth and his regrets about the way he lived his life.The song’s melody is lively and energetic, with a driving beat and a catchy chorus that makes it a popular choice for fans of The Pogues. The song’s lyrics, however, are dark and introspective, offering a sobering reflection on the consequences of a life lived recklessly.”The Sick Bed of Cuchulainn” is a powerful song that showcases the depth and complexity of The Pogues’ music. Its themes of regret and redemption are universal, and the song’s melody and lyrics combine to create a haunting and memorable piece of music.
5.Fairytale of New York
“Fairytale of New York” is perhaps The Pogues’ best-known song, released in 1987 as part of their album “If I Should Fall from Grace with God.” The song, which features guest vocals from Kirsty MacColl, tells the story of a troubled relationship between two lovers in New York City.The song’s opening lines are iconic, with MacGowan singing “It was Christmas Eve, babe / In the drunk tank / An old man said to me, ‘Won’t see another one.'” The lyrics then shift to focus on the couple’s relationship, with lines like “I could have been someone / Well, so could anyone / You took my dreams from me / When I first found you.”
The song’s melody is catchy and upbeat, with a chorus that is instantly recognizable to fans of The Pogues. The song has become a Christmas classic in many countries, with its themes of love, loss, and redemption resonating with audiences around the world.
“Fairytale of New York” is a masterful piece of songwriting and has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the power of The Pogues’ music and the universality of the themes it explores.
6.A Pair of Brown Eyes
“A Pair of Brown Eyes” is a classic song by The Pogues, released in 1985 as part of their album “Rum Sodomy & the Lash.” The song was written by Shane MacGowan and tells the story of a man who falls in love with a woman he meets in a bar.
The song’s opening lines set the scene, with MacGowan singing “One summer evening, drunk to hell / I stood there nearly lifeless.” The lyrics then describe the man’s encounter with the woman and his feelings of love and longing, with lines like “I looked at her, she looked at me / And all I could do was to keep on walking.”
The song’s melody is gentle and melodic, with a wistful quality that perfectly captures the mood of the lyrics. The song has become a fan favorite over the years, with its themes of love and loss resonating with audiences around the world.
“A Pair of Brown Eyes” is a beautiful and evocative song that showcases The Pogues’ ability to capture the emotions of their listeners
7.Dirty Old Town
The three songs “Dirty Old Town”, “London, You’re a Lady”, and “Tuesday Morning” all have unique stories and styles that showcase the diverse range of music that has captivated audiences for generations.
“Dirty Old Town” is a folk song that was written by Ewan MacColl in 1949. It has since been covered by countless artists, including The Pogues, who brought it back into the public eye in the 1980s. The song paints a vivid picture of an industrial town, with lyrics that describe the soot-covered buildings and bustling streets. Despite the gritty setting, the song’s melody is hauntingly beautiful, with a melancholy tone that speaks to the longing for a better life. The Pogues’ version of “Dirty Old Town” is particularly notable for its use of traditional Irish instruments, including the accordion and tin whistle, which give the song an unmistakable Celtic flavor.
8.London, You’re a Lady
“London, You’re a Lady” is a love letter to the city of London, written by David and Redd Evans in 1972. The song is a tribute to the city’s rich history and vibrant culture, with lyrics that describe the bustling streets, towering buildings, and iconic landmarks. The melody is upbeat and catchy, with a jaunty rhythm that perfectly captures the energy of the city. Despite its celebratory tone, however, the song also acknowledges the struggles that come with city life, with lyrics that speak to the loneliness and isolation that can come from living in a crowded metropolis. The song has been covered by numerous artists, including Tom Jones and Engelbert Humperdinck, and remains a beloved ode to one of the world’s great cities.
9.Tuesday Morning
“Tuesday Morning” is a more recent song, written by Canadian singer-songwriter Melissa McClelland in 2006. The song has a haunting, ethereal quality, with a melody that is both delicate and powerful. The lyrics are deeply introspective, with McClelland reflecting on her past and contemplating the future. The song is a testament to the power of music to connect people across time and space, with lyrics that speak to the universal experience of love and loss. The song has been praised for its poetic lyrics and evocative imagery, and remains a standout track in McClelland’s repertoire.
Overall, these three songs showcase the diverse range of music that has captivated audiences for generations. From the gritty realism of “Dirty Old Town” to the celebratory tone of “London, You’re a Lady” and the introspective beauty of “Tuesday Morning”, these songs speak to the many different moods and emotions that music can evoke. Whether you’re looking for a haunting melody or an upbeat rhythm, there is something here for everyone.One of the most interesting things about these songs is how they capture the essence of their respective eras. “Dirty Old Town” speaks to the post-WWII era, when many cities were struggling to rebuild after the devastation of war. The song’s focus on industrialism and urban decay reflects the challenges of that time, while its haunting melody speaks to the hope and longing that characterized the postwar period. “London, You’re a Lady” captures the spirit of the 1970s, with its upbeat rhythm and celebratory tone reflecting the optimism and energy of that era. “Tuesday Morning” speaks to a more contemporary sensibility, with its introspective lyrics and ethereal melody reflecting the mood of the 21st century.
In conclusion, “Dirty Old Town”, “London, You’re a Lady”, and “Tuesday Morning” are three songs that showcase the diverse range of music that has captivated audiences for generations. From folk to pop to indie rock, these songs demonstrate the power of music to evoke a wide range of emotions and capture the
10.Stream of Whiskey
“Stream of Whiskey” is a lively folk-punk song by The Pogues, released in 1984. The song’s energetic rhythm and catchy melody are driven by the interplay between the electric guitar and the traditional Irish instruments, such as the tin whistle and accordion. The lyrics describe the joys and pains of a life spent drinking, with frontman Shane MacGowan singing about the “stream of whiskey” that flows through his veins and the “aching head” that comes with it. Despite the darker themes of the song, there is an undeniable sense of fun and camaraderie in the way that the band members play off each other, with the chorus encouraging listeners to “drink it down, pass it around, and let your joint go down.” “Stream of Whiskey” is a prime example of The Pogues’ ability to blend traditional Irish music with punk rock sensibilities, creating a unique sound that has inspired generations of musicians.
Jared Parker is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
